A preschool-8th grade Jewish day school in northshore Chicago

Faculty and Staff

Administration

Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth
Founder & Head of School

Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth is the founder and head of Torah Academy. A published author, lifelong learner, and dedicated educator, he has taught and guided students young and old for over 25 years. Read more here.

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Morah Elisa Zehnwirth
Principal

Morah Elisa Zehnwirth earned her Bachelors in Judaic Studies and Masters in Education from Yeshiva University.  She has taught students from early childhood to college level for over 30+ years.  Read more here

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Consultants

Mrs. Carrie Kaz
Administrative Team Consultant

Mrs. Carrie Kaz holds a Masters Degree in Education from DePaul University, with a major in Early Childhood and a concentration in  Pre-K Curriculum Development. Her professional skills and positive and supportive personality have endeared her to our staff and students.  Read more here

Mrs. Miriam Schiller
Educational Consultant

Mrs. Miriam Schiller brings her decades of experience in school leadership to TA as an invaluable advisor in all matters of education. 

Ms. Tammie Roth
Reggio Consultant
Tammie's expertise includes Family Social Science, Early Childhood Education, and Child Psychology.

Faculty & Staff

Mrs. Ann Collins
ELA & Math

Mrs. Collins joins Torah Academy with over 30 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Loyola University, and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Carolina. Read more here.

Mrs. Sheryl Cutler
Office Coordinator
Morah Tom Dror-Mangel
Hebrew Teacher
Morah Tom recently joined the school as our talented Ivrit and part-time ELC Morah!
Mrs. Ivy Freeman
Teacher
Mrs. Leahla Hoenig
Website & Communications

Formerly a TA teacher before moving far away, Mrs. Hoenig is still very much a part of the family. She's the creative mind behind many flyers that Torah Academy sends out and the website you're currently browsing.

Rabbi Jeff Holman
Judaic Studies, Science, & Humanities

Rabbi Holman is the Judaic Studies coordinator for 3-4th grade, as well as the Science and Humanities teacher for middle school. He will also be overseeing special events and fun programming!

Mrs. Naomi Homnick
Judaic Studies

Mrs. Homnick joined Torah Academy in 2019 with many years of experience in Jewish education, having taught Judaic studies for over 25 years and worked in administration for 10. Read more here

Rabbi Yitzchok Kolsky
CFO

Rabbi Kolsky, a graduate of the Rabbinical Seminary of America and an educator par excellence, is also an experienced financial consultant and will be taking on the responsibilities of CFO at Torah Academy. Read more here.

Mrs. Ruth Strimling
Catapult Tutoring Supervisor
Mrs. Wendy Siegel
Support Volunteer
Morah Esti Vitkovsky
ELC

Morah Esti joined Torah Academy's faculty in 2019 straight off the plane from Eretz Yisrael!  Read more here.

Mr. Steve Wachtler
Resource & Tutoring

A computer programmer and avid guitar player, Mr. Wachtler contributes his expertise to TA with one-on-one and small group tutoring and by leading STEM clubs.